Just go to Costco and get a standard sized Kirkland for a decent price. Has worked in my 91S for years now.

Some people insist on using the OEM recommended Interstate. Those can be found, but I've never had much luck with them. The one in my LS is very weak, always has been, and the previous one in the S was short lived. The Kirkland has worked much better. The LS will soon get one as well.

Do keep in mind that if you wish to use the Interstate, there are two almost identical models, one good (I guess), and one crappy, according to a recent Consumer Reports magazine. Make sure you get the better one.

But no need to buy from Interstate, Kirkland AOK as Del says, I think you want right physical size, 950 CCA, and if you can get it with the vent port all the better. Steve whats the skinny here Alfa guru? PLus a lot depends on where you live. If you are in Minnesota vs San Diego for example!

I now use Type 27 Milano Verde battery because BJ's wholesale stocks them and it is almost as big in size and cold cranking amps (CCA) as original type 31 bus and caterpillar battery called for in the 164.

Any good 12v battery will work but you may have to shim with wooden wedge under hold down bar to secure battery. Even Type 27 slightly lower than type 31 and requires a wedge/shim.

I have a Interstate Group 31 installed in my LS and I would get another.
I like the vent attachment and good fit. It's a tough battery and has been discharged several times and after charging , it has come back to full capacity.
I been using it for 3 yrs.
I use OPTIMA Batteries in my smaller cars.
This post reminds me to switch the charges around today
Snowing in CT http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/images/icons/icon8.gif

Don't forget that the 164 battery is in the trunk, not in the engine compartment. This means that you need to be concerned about unhealthy and corrosive (to the cabin) gasses. The original battery had a vent attached to a hose going to the outside of the car to allow gasses to escape.

When I got my last battery, I got a completely sealed AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery. This type of battery can tolerate deep cycles. It is also used inside the sleeping cabs of big rig trucks, so it should be OK for health. Only problem is that it is about 50% heavier and 50% more expensive than original battery. But I believe that it will also last longer, and it is more tolerant to the car not being driven for a while if that were to ever happen.

The one I got was the original size (Group 31, I guess, as posted above). I think it was an Interstate but Interstate is not the only mfg of AGM batteries in that size.

Does anyone know which make/model battery is currently available in the US for a 164 - having a hard time finding one.... Thanks for the help!

Why not upgrade. Go for the GEL battery. Optima Red Top. (can't find the part number right now for the Red.)

I put one on my wifes car which seem to eat up batteries since it sees lots of heat in the engine compartment. I have not needed to change it now in years.
No cells to die, no water to evaporate, you get the idea. Not much more money than a regular battery the 164 needs and puts out same Cold Crank amps.

All great info - thanks! I'm in San Diego, so am not too worried about the extreme conditions, but I'll probably go with one that covers them anyways.

I am from san Diego as well and despite not any harsh conditions it's still an old cell battery. You should get many many years out of the optima. Really never have to worry about it since it is in the trunk.

I have an Optima Red Top in my car, bought at NAPA I don't remember how many years ago. I'm totally happy with it, and will put in another if it ever dies. Great capacity, smaller than original, and totally sealed. I have had it sitting idle for a year at a time, with just an occasional top-up charge, and it's always come up perfectly. I can't recommend them enough!

As Steve says, you'll need to maake up a wooden shim to fill the hold-down strap.

My factory battery lasted 11 years so I went with another AC Delco of the correct size. That one failed after "only" 7 years which is two years longer than the usual maximum life up here in frozen Canada so I went with another AC Delco. I suspect the last AC Delco battery was overtaxed when the car was welded and left dormant for months due to delays in repairing accident and rust damage plus new rear suspension.

My factory battery lasted 11 years so I went with another AC Delco of the correct size. That one failed after "only" 7 years which is two years longer than the usual maximum life up here in frozen Canada so I went with another AC Delco. I suspect the last AC Delco battery was overtaxed when the car was welded and left dormant for months due to delays in repairing accident and rust damage plus new rear suspension.

We've had Optima red top in a '96 Northstar STS for 7+ years with no issues. Another in the Yukon XL 6.0 for almost as many.

Batteries have not gone dead. Even when I had STS at school and would not drive for weeks, and when did - were short trips - in winter car always cranked and started. Those cars are notorious for draining batteries, too, due to the advanced alarm system and other electronic gadgetry.

I'd say get an Optima if you want worry free. I've had good luck with the battery in my "S" and it is the original type, but it came with the car. If/when replacement necessary, Optima goes in.

Shimming the battery at the box is easy with some wood (but I like styrofoam). I also like to clean the area if necessary and lay down some baking soda before reinstalling.

Does anybody know what's the CCA requirement for the 164? My battery seems not to have enough power when starting the car in the morning when is really cold, and just wondering if it is the wrong size for the car. It's an acdelco 1151, with 700 CCA.

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